Vermont School Board Votes to Drop 'Rebel' Nickname After Controversy

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A school board in Vermont has decided that its district will no longer use its nickname.

The South Burlington School Board voted unanimously Wednesday to drop the rebel team name starting this fall.

Superintendent David Young had recommended that the board drop the name, saying "this is not the time to hesitate when it comes to inclusion."

The rebel mascot was fashioned as a Southern soldier when the high school opened in 1961 because the city had seceded from Burlington years earlier. It was removed decades ago, but the nickname remained.

The debate began in August 2015 when a teacher said he believes the nickname is associated with the racist policies of the confederacy. A local NAACP chapter official had said the mascot represents "nothing but hate."